Die Fertigmacher

The authors examine the dark side of the supposed German jobs miracle, which is largely ignored by the media. They uncover violations of human rights and applicable laws by aggressive entrepreneurs and their consultants. Among the victims are employees in sectors and companies such as discounters, parcel services, freight forwarders, and system catering, as well as job seekers who are forced into miserable conditions with the help of job centers. Today, in times of so-called union busting, the professional, sometimes criminal fight against trade unions and the establishment of works councils is often a dangerous adventure. There is no alternative to these conditions because they are politically desired or tolerated and sometimes brutally enforced. Rügemer and Wigand examine networks of relevant players, including labor lawyers, media law firms, PR agencies, management consultants, detective agencies, and personnel managers, as well as yellow pseudo-trade unions. They describe their methods and strategies using case studies and personal portraits.